A Cautious Hope

[Eugen Aker]

In a quiet corner of the Alaris Expanse, Nightshadehttp://starwarsrp.net/topic/114056-pantera-class-stealth-frigate/ slowly drifted through the depths of open space.

Intentionally, all of the active stealth systems of the vessel had been disabled for relatively easy detection, but its passive systems and reactionless drives still made it hard to pick out unless someone was really looking. A squadron of even stealthier Yutan fighters and a single Sowa trailed the frigate, cloaking systems fully engaged. A nasty surprise for anyone that wished to do harm to the occupants of the frigate.

Down in the hangar of Nightshade, Jyoti hovered with a small party as she awaited the arrival of the ME envoy. It hadn't even been a full day since the withdrawal of the Sith - sporadic fighting was still ongoing with desperate stragglers. - so she paced around while still fully clad from the neck down in jet black armor.

Even in armor, the Echani still moved across the floor with a dancer's grace, right in sync to the ticks of her atomic chrono. Without missing a step, she raised her wrist. There was a little less than five more minutes before the agreed upon arrival time came to pass.

She stopped and turned back to face her party. "Alright, the envoy should be here at any moment now. Whatever misgivings you may have about the ME personally, keep it to yourself. This is a diplomatic mission."

Jyoti said that for as much herself as for the whole group. She had utterly despised the Mandalorians under Ra and Vilaz, and had remained wary of them since a certain transmission. However, actions spoke louder than words, and a quite the statement had been made by the Mandalorians striking against the Sith at Kashyyyk. That at least warranted some investigation on the Silver's end.

​[member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Yasha Mantis"] [member="Gir Quee"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Charlie"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

Time had passed and Charlie had become more accustomed to the life she was now living. Kashyykk and Kiribi were the places she mostly frequented and her random run offs had come to an end. The sense of freedom she had was still there, but she was more controlled now. Falling into a routine again, the Padawan was organized and was less of a headache for her Master now. It was also due to the fact she wasn’t devouring her weight in processed sugars. Charlie still had a sweet tooth, which was obvious as she sat in her dark armor that matched her Master’s. A lollipop stick stuck out of her mouth as she played the sabacc game on her datapad.

When Jyoti began to speak, the datapad went down and the padawan held onto the stick of the sweet treat listening. This was an interesting endeavor. She had never met a Mandalorian face to face from what she knew of course. The faction was from what she understood had gone through a lot, but that was the ebb and flow of a society right? Knowing that this was happening and Jyoti had decided to bring her along, Charlie had brushed up on some of her Mandalorian history. Though, she wouldn’t speak unless spoken to – allowing her Master to take command per usual of missions such as this.

She would learn, knowing one day this would be what she would do for the Silver Order. The candy popped out of her mouth as she examined it and noticed that the hard candy was getting smaller. It would be completely gone by the time the Envoy would possibly arrive. She hoped not of course, it would keep her entertained and her stomach from growling and interrupting the meeting. Sticking it back into her mouth, she looked towards her Master and smiled, then returned to her game.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Yasha Mantis"] [member="Gir Quee"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Valkren Calderon"]

 

[Gir Quee]

Admiral Quee strode the corridor of the Nightshade, deeply absorbed in though about his last encounter with the Void Irregular Fleet over Kashyyyk. The enemy appeared to be evolving, and the appearance of the new, massive energy cannons on their warships combined with their deep thrust into the heart of Silver Jedi territory suggested that they would continue to be more aggressive. They had evolved in their own way, and already their experience against the First Order had already set them up to partially neutralize the enemy's new weapon with materials science. While such technological shifts had always managed to fascinate his mind, he found himself more struck by the politics of the battle.

"You too, huh?"

Gir's head swiveled around to face Colonel Bessemer. Judging by the disheveled uniform, the Antarian Ranger had apparently also arrived fresh from the battlefield. Gir thought that he could almost smell the characteristic Wroyshyr leaves of Kashyyyk on the man's clothing. Gir merely shook his head.

"Seems to be the case," replied the man from Hast, "I take it you're one of the ISAF's officer representatives?"

The black-haired man nodded, "And you're one of the fleet representatives, I'd wager. What do you think is going on?"

"I don't know," said the blonde man, "the Mandalorians have long been known for their mercenary work...but I get a feeling that this is something else."

Bessemer's countenance darkened, "I want to think so, but I'm not sure."

"We'll see, I guess."

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Charlie"] | [member="Kaine Australis"] | [member="Yasha Mantis"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"]

 

[Viathae Qarmast]

It was interesting that Master Nooran herself sent an invite to her. Especially when Viathae heard it was a Mandalorian diplomatic visit. It was absolutely mindboggling that she would want her, out of all people, to visit her to go and visit the Mandalorain Empire... a thing that reformed out of the shadows of war, again.

Viathae was aboard the Nightshade where she was silent in the briefing when she glanced forth at Nooran and saw the crew that was with her. Hmn... For the fact that she despised most of the Mandalorians, she gave a soft breath. "I have a bad feeling about this." she said crossing her arms. As usual, Viathae was dressed in her Mark III Mandalorian armour, with a clipped lightsaber and several other utilities, as well as having her handy glove.

Haar'chak... she thought. And to think that I had to see those fools again... The voice of a Mandalorian of old, communicating in some form of a flashback she remembered when she got lost into thought while walking towards where the group was gathering. It was of course, Tarre Viszla's voice, the one in the holocron she has.

"A peaceful Mandalorian society comes through the forgiveness of past actions. he said. 'It is not the Mandalorian way to be a coward, and run away from the problems at hand. A true Mandalorian and a Jedi faces her fear of those who posed a problem in the past. The Empire might seem to be a bunch of bad apples, but in every pile of a bad apple, there is one that stands out. You must find that one who shares your views. Only then, you'll gain influence to build the society you seek."

Within a few moments, the voice disappeared as she heard the words "Whatever misgivings you may have about the ME personally, keep it to yourself. This is a diplomatic mission." The last part... it made her doubt, but nonetheles,s obliged. From what she heard, the Mandalorians under Ra and Vilaz were apparently those that, to her, do not make a Mandalorian. Namely Ra... The last name of Viszla... it made her stomach full of Waylander Killer Butterflies. Those bastards were the one who destroyed pacifism once before...

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Kaine Australis"] | [member="Yasha Mantis"] | [member="Gir Quee"] |[member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Charlie"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Mand’alor Yasha Mantis stood in her gold and black Beskar’kandar Beskar’gam, with her hands folded behind her back. Her grey cloak was secured on both pauldrons, with clasps built from the slag of Mandalore’s recent cataclysm. The cloak was no longer red - the Mandalorian colour of respecting one’s parents - nor was it emblazoned with the crest of Mand’alor the Undying.

The former Ward of Ra Vizsla, and war child instead wore her own crest, the Clan Mantis’ wolf skull surrounded by a wreath of blades. Grey was the colour of mourning, and the young woman wore it without irony. Growth plates were added to her slowly distending belly, wide enough now to reveal the unmistakeable swell of an early, but pregnant belly. It was this new life inside her which made Ambrose Vizsla, and the Yalilyr, Mand'alor's Hunters and personal guard uneasy about talks outside Mandalorian space. As it was, the Gurlanin warrior stood behind Yasha, and refused to leave her side.

There was much to mourn on Manda’yaim, and much to grieve over the recent months of Mandalorian History. Today was the woman’s first action as Mand’alor outside of the Empire in which she was raised, and its’ significance was neither lost on Yasha Mantis, nor was it glazed over in youthful exuberance.

Aboard her flagship, the Hell Wolf, and surrounded by a small armada of Alor and Kandosii-Class escort cruisers, Yasha hefted out a thick sigh. “You promised they’d play fair, Australis… my father’s in their space. I cannot afford to do something which will upset his search for peace.”

When [member="Kaine Australis"] pitched the idea of sending an envoy to Silver Jedi territory, Yasha’s advisors had replied with myriad cautions. Trust was not easily won after such hardships, yet if [member="Preliat Mantis"] found a moment’s relief with the Silvers, it was his daughter’s responsibility to ensure he was above all, safe, and capable of living without having to pick up so much as a single weapon ever in his life, again.

“Comms, signal the delegation. We are ready to meet them… tell them… Mand’alor Haran Rekr and General Australis await docking coordinates.”

“Yes, Mand’alor.” The Hell Wolf’s communications officer relayed the message and remained poised at the controls. Tensions in the Command Bridge rose by inches, as the massive war ship came out of hyperspace, to the agreed upon location for their parlay.

[member="Kaine Australis"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Gir Quee"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Charlie"] | [member="Viathae Qarmast"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Stephanie blew out a slow breathe through puffed out cheeks until they returned to normal size. If it wasn’t Sith she had to get used to understanding with their varied takes on the Force and the Jedi, recently put to test with their branch of allies, now it was Mandalorians.

One had been kind to visit Kashyyyk and provide them with some history of the Jedi and Sith wars that had involved the Mandalorian people, and to help shed light on a people, culture and tradition that was otherwise shrouded in mystery. Stephanie knew about them, knew enough OF them, but never really understood them.

Much like Jedi, Sith, pirates, nobles and smugglers, there were good ones and bad ones.

Master Nooran made it clear this was a diplomatic mission and the fact they were allowed to be there was a blessing, but with Stephanie acting under command of her Master [member="Valae Kitra"] it was something she had to do.

The last time she had faced a Mandalorian, he had been trying to kill her, her fellow Padawan learners and assault the Silver Rest with the Sith Empire. That was a sour taste left in her mouth – they hid behind their T-visor helmets and their tough words, and it seemed they’d simply turn against whomever appeared weakest or paid less. She couldn’t find the honour or pride in that.

Henceforth, it was a tough pill to swallow her being here ready to meet representative from the Empire.

She sat, hunched forward staring at nothing, elbows resting on her thighs, dressed in her cream and brown tunic and boots. The sound of the engines could be quietly heard beneath them, and the quiet blips and chimes from the game console Padawan [member="Charlie"] played on.

[member="Yasha Mantis"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Gir Quee"] | [member="Viathae Qarmast"] | [member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Colonel Calderon sat in the corner of the hanger, still clad in his Katarn combat armor. The plating on his combat suit told the story of a battle: burn marks from blaster bolts, a clean rip through the left shoulder plate due to a stray slug from an enemy soldier's long rifle. Directly in front of his boots, rested the helmet that completed his suit of armor. The visored faceplate and a clean crack directly across from it as it lifelessly 'stared' back at Valkren. The skull design painted around the front of it seemed almost less-threatening to Valk due to the damage.

Nonetheless, the battle was over, there was no need for the helmet at the moment. At least that is what the special forces officer hoped.

A cigarette burned between his lips, decreasing in size greatly as the colonel took in a great drag. Valkren closed his eyes and leaned back into the cold steel of the hangar walls, releasing the smoke inhaled in an equally great exhale.

The words of his allies echoed through his mind as he rested there.

Back at Dunkirk beach, on Kashyyyk, his team and fellow rangers would be doing their part to clean up the assault area of any droid carcasses and oversized Sith Walkers. In truth, Valk had already seen several pictures come up of rangers from the third infantry posing on one of the destroyed walkers. Just another 'win' for the younger ones to send home to their families. He thought back to the beach, before he boarded the transport and immediately went for the meeting spot on orders of the Silver Jedi.

While the raiders did their part, Lieutenant Konrad Harris and the Colonel stood at the edge of their foxhole, taking in the destruction that littered the beach.

"When was the last time you took a picture like that?" Konrad spat as he said so, reaching up and running his now bare hands through his helmet-hair after removing his helmet.

At the time, Valk' couldn't recall the last time he sent any picture of war back home to his sister and mother. It had seemed such a taboo now a days, taking these pictures. Him and his men had clearly boasted about their kills before, but to show such horrors to their families..Just didn't make sense.

"I think it was in the Republic actually. When I ran with the marines, before the whole commando' bull. I think we sent back a picture of the lot' of us on top of a tank or something...Yeah, I remember now. I had the Galactic Republic's flag across my back, like this." Valkren held his plated arms out, simulating the pose of an athlete who just won some sort of event for his planet or faction.

Konrad could only laugh, evoking a chuckle from Valkren as well. His men were what kept his mind in the game at hand, and they had always done a solid job at it.

Back on the ship, Valk' opened his eyes. He'd toss the spent cigarette butt to the ground, placing the heel of his combat boot on it to be sure the ember was extinguished. Afterwards, the ranger lifted up his helmet and made his way to the group of familiar faces.

He wasn't in the slightest bit sure about this meeting. Due to his history in the Republic military, he had many encounters with Mandalorian raiding parties, specifically towards the end of the Galactic Republic. In truth, there was not one time Valkren had found himself fighting along side a Mando. Every battle in which he had spotted the distinguishable T-style visor and infamous armor design of the Mandalorians, they were always shooting at him. He knew that many rangers onboard were wary of this diplomatic meeting, some hailing from Republic times like Valkren, but these were emotions that had to be stowed. If there was really a chance of some sort of agreement between these two parties, it would take a level head from both delegations.

Still, that didn't mean he wasn't going to make his voice heard.

As he approached the group, he had heard that an old friend of his would also be present for the meeting, [member="Gir Quee"], however it didn't seem like the Directorate Officer was currently in the hangar. Perhaps he was in another section of the ship.

Valkren would have to connect with the Admiral once he arrived for the meeting. Eventually, the colonel found his way next to [member="Jyoti Nooran"], his helmet tucked underneath his right arm, he'd speak up.

"You know I'm no politician, why am I here?" He mustered out the words are he glanced toward the entrance to the bay that the envoys would soon arrive through.

[member="Charlie"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Yasha Mantis"] | [member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Looking around, she took stock of the feelings of the party of Jedi with her. Most of them radiated with a sense of unease, especially from Qarmast. The Jedi Knight followed the ways of the New Mandalorians, which had often put her at odds with other Mandalorians in the past. However, from what Jyoti had been able to glean from recent developments within the Mandalorian Empire (including a certain charity auction on Commenor), they seem open toward taking a more moderate multilateral approach with their neighbors. It was her hope that Qarmast may finally get some traction with her ideas and create a positive influence on her brethren in the future.

Charlie stuck like a sore thumb, her apprentice coming off as aloof with her gaming and candy. Thankfully she put away the game as Jyoti made her announcement, but kept out her candy. Jyoti would only stare with her silver eyes slightly narrowed, a quiet gesture to put everything away.

Eventually, Valkren found his way over to Jyoti, asking why he had been called to join her.

"None of us are politicians, Calderon." She replied, smirking. "This isn't the Republic. You were on the ground at Kashyyyk combating the main Sith Army. So I value your insight on their tactics and tech. The Mandalorians may have some questions about them."

She had called for Admiral Quee to join them for a similar reason, on top of being the original person to initiate contact between the Silver Order and Mandalorian Empire on an official level.

Her wireless implant was pinged by Nightshade's Subutai system as a reversion was detected and a hail received, data directly updated into the mind of the cyborg for review. She was presented with a rendering of a battlecruiser of immense proportions, one of the largest she had ever seen. It was squawking all the right transponder codes to identify itself as an ME warship, but the crescent-shaped design was something new to her. Another fine example of Mandalorian engineering and industry.

<I want detailed scans of that ship.> She ordered Nightshade. <Stick to passive sensors so that the Mandalorians aren't triggered.>

"It appears that our guests have arrived," she announced to everyone near her. "Remember what I said and mind your manners."

"Commander Pyke," she called over intercomm. "The Mandalorians are approved for approach. Direct them to land their shuttle in Hangar A."

"Yes Master Nooran, docking procedures being transmitted now."

Jyoti straightened up as the massive bay doors slid open, revealing the endless expanse of starry space. Plans were finally becoming reality. Hopefully, now she could finally put the Mandalorian question to rest.

[member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Yasha Mantis"] [member="Gir Quee"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Charlie"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Mandalorians don’t have the best history with Jedi, or those who fly republic banners… our ad’ike are still floating in the stillness of Roche, and I would secure it as sacred to their memory… stay vigilant… I do not know what sort of reception we will receive.” Roche. Yasha was too young to understand why the Asteroid field caused a cry and a shudder in her fellow Mando’ade. She was too young at the time, to know why at the mention of its’ name even her father ducked his head low. Yasha was no longer ‘too young to understand’. In the back of her mind she kept the thread clear, that these were not the ones who sent children out of airlocks. These were much different people, and yet aruetii all… or so she believed. “Take an account of their ships. Scan for hostilities and keep me informed.”

Docking procedures flowed in a routine fashion, which only led to a larger string of nerves bundling around Yasha’s spine. If [member="Kaine Australis"] was right, the Jedi understood peace… yet the histories Ra taught her had curled her toes many a time. She found comfort in the enviro-seal of her beskar'gam, and the augmented opticals in her HUD. Yasha breathed a little easier fully encased, as did her Yalilyr.

One thought rang through the Force Dead Epicanthix’s head: Daddy was with the Silver Jedi. Preliat Mantis’ travels led to the Silvers, and if her beloved father was there, it was worth hearing them out. Yasha could not abide creating a situation where her father's newly discovered peace could be compromised.

Forming her cloak over her shoulders, Yasha ensured it covered her body in its’ grey shroud. “I don’t like leaving the Hell Wolf… I’m trusting your gut, Australis. With me.”

The woman walking down the gang plank was tall for a humanoid, but short for an Epicanthix. At six and a half feet tall in her armour, her amber eyes glanced out at the collection of warriors, statesmen, councillors and padawans.

It was an impressive number, when only two came to speak from the Mando’ade. The Yalilyr who joined Yasha and Kaine stood in utter silence. Statuesque but for the slim motions they made walking down from the shuttle with Mand’alor and the General.

Head completely encased in the red and black transparisteel and beskar helmet, Mand’alor the Hell Wolf cocked her head to the side as she scanned the contingent of Silver Jedi. The buy’ce seemed to pause at @Vianthae Qarmast’s form tucked in its’ own beskar’gam. Mandalorians were as scattered across the cosmos as stars in the galactic sky.

“Su cu’yar, Master [member="Jyoti Nooran"]. I am Mand’alor Haran Rekr. I believe you are acquainted with General Kaine Australis, he tells me tales I have never heard, stories of Jedi who would be no danger to us or our people. Forgive my impetus to broker a meeting, I had to see you for myself… I would look upon the faces of those who keep my father in a place of healing, and thank you personally for the kindness you dispense to a man whose mind has seen too much of war.” Force Dead or not, the tension across the band of Mandalorians and Silver Jedi alike was as palpable as the heartbeats inside Yasha’s body. If hope was, as she suspected, a cautious thing, then it would need a moment of courage to settle the tempestuous waters.

Yasha put her gauntlet to her helmet, and in what she hoped was an offering of trust, removed it. Black painted lips framed a face with deep olive skin and wide amber eyes reminiscent of another Mandalorian who came limping and mentally scarred to Silver Jedi space. Looking straight at Jyoti Nooran, Yasha's eyes seemed impossible to still.

“You have my father, [member="Preliat Mantis"] in your keeping, and if my father trusts you enough to live without his armour and stay in your territories, then you must be different sort of beings than Ra taught. Let us speak together, and open lanes where so recently all were severed.”

[member="Gir Quee"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Charlie"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Shortly after docking procedures were passed along, a shuttle from the Mandalorian battlecruiser departed and landed within the main hangar of Nightshade. As the shuttle landed and ramped dropped, Jyoti at the center of the Silver delegation straightened up, expression stoic.

A rather tall Mandalorian in red and golden armor descended from the ship onto the hangar floor, closely followed by lines of other warriors. The sleek armor matched what was on record for the current Mandalore of the eponymous planet. Training her silver eyes more closely on the woman, she could feel nothing, who appeared completely absent in the Force. There was no Yasalmir in sight, but Jyoti knew of a plethora of other manners to do so.

The Mandalorian immediately behind Mandalore was a different story altogether, strong in the Force. This surprised the Echani, who wasn't aware of any Force Sensitives Mandalorians openly operating within the ME since the time of their infamous suppression and purge that had shocked Force Users the galaxy over.

Things are changing after all.

After taking a moment to study them, Mandalore addressed Jyoti, introducing herself and General Australis before removing her mask as a token of goodwill. She possessed a sharp attractive face of olive complexion and amber eyes. She could definitely see Preliat in his daughter.

General Australis also removed his mask, in turn, revealing a grizzled face of a middle-aged man. He nodded in acknowledgment and smiled, but remained silent.

Jyoti warmed up a bit after a good first in impression from the Mandalorians, offering a small smile.

"Greetings, Mand'alor and General Australis," she said with a small nod of respect. "Master Kitra would have liked to be here today, but matters on Kashyyk still require her attention. Today I'll be speaking for her and the rest of the Silver Assembly as Master of the Order, her co-equal."

"The stories that you've heard about us are true, we do seek peace with the Mandalorians and aim to restore positive relations."

Recent conflicts with the Mandalorians under Vilaz and the United Clans had been rather one-sided, Silver Jedi never escalating fighting and even attempting to assist the Mandalorians after they were brought the brink of extinction by one of their own. While working with the Order of the Lotus, Grandmaster Kitra herself had played a significant role in restoring the core of Mandalore to save its atmosphere from being lost and surface completely irradiated. There probably wasn't a more pro-Mandalorian group of Jedi around. They all keenly understood that a stable Mandalore was good for all.

"I have something for you both," she said, fishing out a pair of small packages from the satchel tied to her utility belt.

She took a step toward General Australis first, smile growing.

"For assisting in the defense of Kashyyyk, I would like to present you with this token of our gratitude."

All the Force Sensitives within the group would have been able to feel the Light aura of the imbued dagger stored within the case. It could be wielded as a powerful tool against the forces of Darkness.

She turned her attention to Mandalore, handing her a second smaller case containing a healing crystal. It too radiated with Light Side energies, though sadly, Mandalore would be unable to experience the comforting aura of the healing crystal.

Jyoti loved sharing the Silver Jedi's signature healing crystals with top dignitaries and heads of state, a symbol representing the organization's nature as a humanitarian peacekeeping force rather than a militant bunch of belligerents that their enemies tried to portray them as being.

"Let's continue this over a warm cup of tea. Please follow me."

She motioned for delegations to follow her to follow her outside of the hangar, to one of the trams that would take them to the heart of the ship. Silver vessels were much different from their Sith and Imperial counterparts, bridge sections buried deep within the superstructure of vessels in the style of the Mon Calamari.

After a short ride on the tram, she led them off for a large conference room, all with enough space for everyone to be seated at a massive roundtable that dominated the room. A pair of chrome protocol droids stood at the door, ready to serve the needs of the Silvers and Mandalorians. As indicated before, there were pitchers of tea and other beverages on the table for everyone to enjoy.

"Please make yourselves comfortable," she said while still standing behind her seat. She expected her apprentice right next to her. "As promised, tea. There's also coffee and juices. If you don't see something you like, then we can get a droid to fetch something from the galley."

"I have to admit, it was a surprise to see General Australis, but a welcome one. He played an instrumental role in helping us route the Sith Armadas in orbit. I shudder to think what would have become of Kashyyyk if the Sith had achieved space superiority."

Thyferra was still fresh in most people's mind, the site of a brutal orbital bombardment that had resulted in most of the surface being glassed, millions of Vratix snuffed out of existence, and a sudden galaxy-wide crisis being born as the chief supply of bacta had been obliterated. The Sith had finally shattered their moderate facade to show their true brutal face as they engaged in their genocidal campaign.

"Though, why would you risk their ire with such a bold move?"

That was the million credit question. Why would they turn against the Sith now after working with them for so long?

[member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Yasha Mantis"] [member="Gir Quee"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Charlie"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

A curious sensation could strike those capable of sensing the Force, the moment the healing crystal touched Yasha’s gauntlet-clad hand. One single glimmer, no larger than the promise of new life hidden inside Yasha’s stomach, fluttered. No such flutter or change appeared on the Mand'alor's face.

“Thank you… I assume this is more than decoratively beautiful?”

The stomach flutter continued throughout the tram ride and by the time they departed from the internal transit system, Yasha wished she had a bucket. While Yasha was Dead to the Force, an anomaly based on events which took place in her first survival of the Netherworld, the child hidden in her womb was not.

What a faff. The young Mand’alor refused to start serious negotiations by suffering a bought of morning sickness in front of Jedi. Her facial expression tightened, blocked by the indelible training from Ra and her nanny about ‘not showing your hand’. Precise, serious, not ill. Strong, unyielding, not about to… breathe. About to breathe. That was it. Maybe she should have followed the moniker of her people and brought a bucket.

Upon being offered the refreshments at the table, Yasha wondered if her skin turned as green as a Mirialan. Her fingers moved in discrete gestures within sight of Australis. A few precious seconds with her mouth shut would do the pregnant young woman worlds of good.

‘Distract them for a second.’

She walked the table of food and drink, shutting her nose to the otherwise delicious smells. What possessed her to take off her buy'ce? “Pity Baiko isn’t here. She loves tea more than life.” Pouring herself a cup, Yasha held the cup between her hands and took her seat. Only when others got their beverages, and settled in their seats did Yasha find her voice.

“While Carnifex acts with kindness to me, and we have in the past accepted the Sith Empire’s aide for some length of time, I do not reside under his umbrella, nor do we continue taking aid for which we have no further need. Mandalore does not kneel. To anyone. Is it not the purview of a nation to seek peace with one’s neighbours? I recognize that a Mandalorian, a Mand’alor no less, who seeks diplomatic peace might be gauche in the fashions of my warrior culture, but I assure you. We have lost none of our bite.” Yasha set her cup of tea down, and set one palm on the table.

“The Mandalorian Empire has taken a modicum of temperance and wisdom to our bower. When Australis returned, and my birth father came to live in your lands, despite a life-long and virulent hatred of force users, it became clear that your image may have included misinterpretation. Another truth is evident. I will not put my Mando’ade through war without reason. My Empire lies between your Order and the Sith. It is in my peoples’ interest to avoid the potential for a conflict caught in the middle. Thus, we must act to stabilize and better the region as we are able. To my councillors and I? My trusted Alors and Ori'ramikad? That means undergoing economic and diplomatic stabilization. Simply put, it means offering the hand of friendship to our neighbours instead of our swords.” Shutting her mouth only to swallow another wave of thankfully receding nausea, the six and a half foot tall Epicanthix fixed her cloak over her better in the seated position to hide her front. She was no fool. Yasha realized her geographical position between the Sith Empire and the Silver Jedi could lead readily to a campaign from either side. In such a time, the Mand’alor had to show strength and mercy, to ensure her peoples’ survival.

“You are, as I understand, allied with [member="Darth Metus"] and the Confederacy. That connection gives me further reason to what you put? A bold move? Isley Verd was the man who saved my mother and I from the Netherworld, when I was a child. He is the reason I was able to pull her free of that hell at all. If my dear friend, my father and my General could trust you, I would be a fool not to open communications and take their trust to heart.

Those Mando’ade gifted with use of the Force are once more free to return to Mandalore. My first edict was to loosen the Anti-Force laws of my beloved guardian and predecessor and allow all Force Sensitive peoples back into my Empire…. people such as my adopted Buir. All the Law requires is that those who come to Mandalore itself refrain from using their powers while on our sacred soil. It is our way of rectifying the past, while proving to our people, who fought and died to protect us all, that those gifted with the Force are not the enthralled maniacs we thought.

So I ask you. Given this is the current climate of the Mandalorian Empire, why would we shy away from you? Why not offer mercy where others would seek force? Can we not coexist as compassionate beings?”

 

[Viathae Qarmast]

Viathae emerged from the ship with the others, holding her helmet next to her and tried to contain her inner need to just lecture the Mandalorians. She had to keep full control of her emotions for this one, for this would probably be one of her biggest trials as a Jedi yet. Diplomacy with the Mandalorians was vital to atleast keeping somewhat order around the galaxy, and if she were to find any Mandalorians who shared her views, then maybe, just maybe, her idea of the New Mandalorians could work. Perhaps, maybe even get a few to join her cause.

But now was not the time to think such big pictures. For she is here as a guest, and need to watch hereslf. Technically, she is a Dar'manda, especially after self-exiling herself from her clan, and if she shows any signs of aggression towards them, no doubt that it will end not so greatly. Even verbally. Viathae felt she shouldn't of come, for her very presence could spell out endangerment of the entire mission. But she kept her calm demener, following along with the rest, hoping to put her own imput if asked.

... and her fears were already coming to fruition, especially when this new Mand'alor herself started to pause at her form. Great. And to figure out she was the Mand'alor... Many thoughts raced within her mind. Her hopes was that no other member of Clan Qarmast was here, for that would be a very bad thing, and likely put the entire mission in danger, especially if they see her face. No... she must put her fears aside. If Clan Qarmast was indeed here along with these Mandalorians, no doubt that the Silvers would deal with them. But that is a trial that Viathae herself must face, and can't let anyone else face. But her confidence with her Silver friends was not lost nor low.

As she saw the Mand'alor remove her helmet, she was astounded by how beautiful, menacing yet fair she looked. A clean face, someone who might actually not be as bad as she thought, simply not because she was a woman, but because she actually seems like a reasonable person to interact with.

The words "Preliat Mantis" came to her. Wait... was that the man whom she debated back on Kashyyyk? That was her father? She was rather shocked. She glanced away for a moment feeling a bit regretful debating him and such. But then, faced back up when she heard her speak that Ra was no longer here. That's good. That traitor deserves to be far away from here, as with all Viszlas. They have been nothing but trouble. "That's one less Viszla to deal with..." she said to herself outloud.

When the others were presented with tea and such, Viathae continued to weigh in on the conversation, and begun to take her own take on it. She begun to listen to what they have to say, especially when she heard that Mandalore kneels to no one. Good... this is exactly how it should be. No one who is a servant of peace should never bow before anyone who is a servant of war or zealousy. When the topic of diplomatic peace is heard, Viathae felt there was a different approach to it, for one cannot simply have a permenent peace, and should always be prepared, defensively of course, but never attack, and never attempt to do harm to others. The ideals of defensive pacifism is above all else.

And apparently, the Mand'alor also mentioned something about avoiding conflict between the Sith and the Silvers. While it might sound good and all, it is inevitable, the two would clash. Both follow different sects of their respective philosophy, and to be divided is within their natures.

But as soon as the words "Darth Metus" had came about, her face begun to sour... did... is this a secret she did not knew? Allied to a Sith Lord? How can he even be trusted? She gave a bitter turn around as she begun to block out the rest of what the conversation was about and just plunged her mind into thinking about this Darth Metus... For some reason, Viathae just didn't trusted him. Even though she had never met him, she had heard of him. Though he seems to be... for the most part harmless, not every Waylander Hog is cute and cuddly. For they grow, and become dangerous. Viathae just lost herself into that thought, with her trust sligtly decreasing with the Silvers. What else have they not been telling her?

No... she can't just think this. There has to be good reason and judgement. Viathae isn't always around when it's Silver politics, for she was always out elsewhere in the galaxy with her lover, seeking Jedi and Sith Artifacts from ages old, and meditating together, as well as training. There has to be more to the story. Perhaps something she can talk with Jyoti later on. But for now, her mind begun to clear as the talking returned back to hearing someone else speak.

Viathae herself spoke,

"But the question is, are the Mandalorians who continue to seek war, and raiding innocents to seek glory and lust for power, considered fools by their own standards? And will we ever see the day of our warring years, and seek to quell the Chaos that is within the Galaxy?" she said, glancing over at Kaine namely.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Kaine Australis"] | [member="Yasha Mantis"] | [member="Gir Quee"] |[member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Charlie"]

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Valkren gripped his helmet tightly underneath his arm, letting the party of Mandalorians join with the Silvers and move towards the conference room. There was no telling how this scenario would play out, in fact, the politics that took place in the next room could be more dangerous than any firefight he had ever been a part of.

This was an exaggeration, of course, unless someone happened to anger one of the party members enough to start a political incident.

Once they entered the room, Valkren withheld the need to salivate at the feast before them. He had just 'humped' a thirty-plus pound ruck the entirety of the day, plus extra equipment and weaponry. The fight on the beaches at Kashyyyk head been exhausting, and he would kill for a meal like the one placed out in front of him.

Yet, now wasn't the time to stuff his face.

While others sat, the silent special forces officer stood, helmet still underneath his arm as he looked to the center of the table, listening to the exchange whilst it went between the Master. His emotions remained locked within him, only coming out through the fingers that gripped his helmet tighter with every word that was said at the table.

There was too much he could say, too much that would jeopardize everything they were working to maintain here at this table:

A peaceful resolution.

Valk's gaze traveled away from the immediate party, looking for the familiar face of [member="Gir Quee"], the soldier curious at how his friend was taking the situation at the moment.

[member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Viathae Qarmast"] | [member="Kaine Australis"] | [member="Yasha Mantis"] | [member="Charlie"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

As everyone settled into their seats and helped themselves to refreshments, Australis made a show of using the Force summon his drink. She wasn't quite sure about the purpose of the gesture, guessing it was some open display of power to confirm that Force Users were indeed welcome within the ME once more.

She just smiled and nodded as she fixed her own cup the old-fashioned way.

From Haran's explanation, the Mandalorians hadn't assisted the Silver Jedi against the Sith Empire out of a sense of altruism, but that was to be expected from the pragmatic bunch. It seemed that Haran's real aim had been to make a statement to the Sith that she operated to her own beat despite stated reasonings for fostering peace. Not an uncommon move for a new leader looking to assert their authority and inspire confidence. It was undeniable that she didn't mind the Mandalorians existing as a buffer to the Sith in the Outer Rim, though, whatever their motivations.

Australis piped in behind Haran, followed by Viathae in turn. Both Mandalorians couldn't be more different, one a passionate hawk and the other a thoughtful pacifist.

Valkren remained standing, putting up his best stone-faced expression, but the Echani could see in his microexpressions and surface thoughts that he struggled to maintain his bearing. The Mandalorian Crusades hadn't been all that long ago for the two Republic transplants, Jyoti herself struggling with forgiveness against a group she had faced off on the same bloody battlefields only a few years ago.

Jyoti turned her eyes back from Australis to Haran, taking a few sips of her tea before making a response.

"I mean no disrespect, but I know the Sith, and I know Kaine Zambrano. He will not be satisfied with anything less than submission from the Mandalorians to the Sith. Since the Sith conquered Bastion, they've been busy carrying out various pogroms in the Outer Rim against all Mandalorians that refuse to bend the knee. I have personally witnessed their genocidal campaigns with my own eyes. I support the direction you're trying to take the Mandalorian, and approve of your more moderate policies for Force Users, but it is my fear that the Sith simply won't let you get far if they can help it. Ultimately, they fear a strong Mandalore that they can't control."

"Now to answer your question, the Silver Jedi do seek peaceful coexistence with the Mandalorians. That has not changed, even when Mandalore was under the rule of your immediate predecessors."

"We are eager to normalize relations, there are a few topics I wanted to discuss in accomplishing this goal. Firstly, providing assistance in rehabilitating Mandalore. I'm aware that under Gray Raxis, you've already begun some terraforming efforts, but we would like to help to accelerate the process. Would you be open to this kind of assistance? With your permission, I could have preliminary survey teams deployed as soon as tomorrow."

[member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Yasha Mantis"] [member="Gir Quee"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Charlie"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Spoiler

OOC: It's 2 am and I wrote this half-asleep. If it makes no sense, please tell me and I can edit! Thank you! Lis.

Yasha’s slender visage alit upon the delegations’ denizens in turn as they spoke, or stood, in their repose. This was no stop-over for tea with her Aunt [member="Lady Kay"], nor was it a meeting with Kaine. With her helmet by her side, Yasha felt the penalty of false motions and potential danger. She pursed her lips and listened, waiting until all but the essential could be left unsaid.

“Mando’ad. That Vizsla of whom you speak raised me, when my father could not and my mother’s carcass was warm.” Her amber eyes turned on [member="Viathae Qarmast"], a vague familiarity with marks on armour. Calling Viathae Mando’ad, child of Mandalore, was akin to calling one more lost one home. Within the Mand'alor's face was the potential promise of dar'manda no longer. Her voice continued with an even tone, respectful of the sentiments she shared for most of the wayward clan's denizens.

“Ra Vizsla was no friend to the Force. I admit his policies included those which had to change, yet I will respect Mand’alor the Undying. I knew more than the behemoth leading our forces to battle. I knew the lonely Gurlanin, who gave a little girl a safe place, when none other was found. Education, where there was ignorance, protection, when my childish frame broke in battle, and hope, when all was dead. It was Ra who taught me none should bow before another, and he who taught that freeing slaves was the Mando’ade’s way. Is it not a lesson the Jedi learn to seek all sides of a story before judgement? I hold no use for absolutes.” As she looked at the woman, who was probably her own age, Yasha attempted to speak with grace, conceding where she ought, clarifying where she felt only truth should reign. Were the majority of Vizsla’s a danger to her? Yes. Did she share the majority of Viathae’s sentiment? Yes. But Ra was beloved of his Ward. A grandfatherly figure (not that he would allow such terms), tough and disciplinarian, but not without a restrained affection.

“There are only three reasons why a Mando’ad should take up arms. For personal safety, for aliit (family), and for Mand’alor. Those who fight to protect and salvage their families shall be rewarded. Those who seek only glory will find it in the Field of Blades.” An ending of Chaos? Could there be such a thing?

Did Zambrano fear a strong Mandalore? It was folly to think of any who would not experience a healthy fear of a warrior culture with outward facing helms. Yet, any who lived without a fear of the Sith Empire was also a fool. Yasha took [member="Jyoti Nooran"]’s words to heart, allowing them to ruminate beside those words of her councillors, who said much the same. “He knows what he receives with me, and it is both our eyes lifted one to the other. Your warning has found its’ proper place, I act to protect my people from being caught in the middle of the Sith Empire, and possible wars. If any come to our doors in an attempt to submit us to their will, they will see how many teeth we have… eh, [member="Kaine Australis"]?”

The myth that Mandalore was lying in rubble and ecological waste was one which required the honesty of denial. Mandalore used to be devastated. The efforts of MandalMotors, WESTAR, RID, [member="Shia Kryze"] & Alor Awaud’s terraforming work, and the influx of donations, contracts and elbow grease had turned the tide against the Cataclysm. What should have, unaided, taken centuries to repair was now taking mere seasons, a few years at most in the worst hit places. It was the only moment of pride Yasha allowed herself as first Ra’s Katlaydr, the Cuir Rekr in charge of technology and the sciences, and then Mand’alor, that engineers and corporations produced such positive results.

“Thank you for your offer, but there is no need.” Yasha waved her gauntlet-clad hand in front of her, “It it the first success of my reign that Mandalore requires no further aid to complete our planet’s physical rehabilitation. Through my peoples’ efforts, and the technologies built of our intelligentsia, we have discovered appropriate solutions. They are working so well, we are seeking more planetary ecosystems to aide. Mandalore will take no charity. If you would desire to trade for goods and services, Mand’alor is open to mutually beneficial trades, especially with one of whom we shall share a border. My Empire intends to move as far south as Roche.”

It was nearly time for Mandalore to step out from its’ rebuilding and become a Galactic player once more. Yasha’s head bore the tilt of a People’s pride in their own hard work, she would not grovel for assistance, when her people could put their own food on their tables… even if a little more food would loosen the current state of rationing on Manda’yaim.

“If Manda’yaim is our Great Mother, Roche is our Temple. The genocide of Mandalorian Civilians, which took place in the Roche Asteroid Field is our literal call to battle. It is the sound of the aliit echoing in their deaths, which spurs us to raise our guns and don our beskar’gam, and turn our sights on any who endanger my remaining People. The asteroids of Roche are sacred stones. I bring this to your attention only to allow you knowledge of our reason and intent, and that we intend to move no further South, than that. There is enough space in this Galaxy for all, and where there isn’t, we must protect those who value freedom, familial piety and righteousness.“

 

[Charlie Nooran]

The look she had received made Charlie instantly dispose of the candy and remove the video game she was playing from sight. She had hoped she could blend into the background and continue to play, but this was a lesson she needed to learn. With everything packed up, the Padawan remained quiet listening and collecting the information each side was giving. She felt an odd sense of tension, but Charlie figured it was just her own emotions. She knew the Mandoloarians were kind with the Sith for some time, which made her uneasy, but seeing her Master offer gifts and look for peace – she did her best to stow away her own personal emotions.

Following along towards the conference room, she watched the others grab their tea and anything else they had wanted. Charlie felt her stomach twist into knots as she wanted to devour everything. Now wasn’t the time and she remained quiet along with her stomach. After Jyoti had prepared herself some tea, Charlie wandered over and did the same. She had hoped there was going to be hot cocoa but remembering that the real stuff was hard to come by – she internally cried. Looking around, she found the milk and the sugar, then proceeded to sweeten her cup of tea. The small Padawan remained seen, but not heard as she sipped her tea quietly and continued to listen to the proceedings.

She was curious to see where things were going, it seemed both sides wanted the same thing and that was peace as neighbors. Still the Sith lingered and Charlie remembered her history lessons with the previous actions of what happened in the galaxy. Ears perked up as Jyoti mentioned terraforming on the Mandalore. Charlie became instantly interested mostly because she had never been planet side to the home of the Mandos. She focused on her tea for a moment and then looked back up waiting to see what was said. A girl a little older than her spoke, she had come along and Charlie looked towards the Mand'alor and blinked hearing her answer. Charlie understood the pride the Mandalorians had, it was inspiring for the most part. The little padawan continued to sip her tea and formulate her own words before attempting to interject, though she assumed this was a conversation she was meant to observe and learn from.

[member="Yasha Mantis"] [member="Jyoti Nooran"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Viathae Qarmast"] [member="Kaine Australis"]